Where have you traveled to in America and the World?

So.... like the insurance agency..... you know a thing or two, because you've seen a thing or two.... right?

can you clarify why the US doesn't attract you? Is it the people? Or, the landscape? Just curious...

I admit I dont know much about America, but here are the reasons I was thinking:

1. Everything in America just feels... too big for me. The cities, the distances, the highways. Being honest I would panic if I found myself in some place like New York or Los Angeles.

2. In part because of previous reason, America is a very car-centric country. Many people have to drive km or miles to another part of the city just to get food, and in the crowded chaotic roads of America of course. Alright, small towns are probably different.

3. Judging by what one friend who studied in America and now lives in UK told me, food and drink in both countries is very bland compared to Romania. She told me that milk there tastes like water, even whole milk, and that many vegetables are so tasteless she cant even eat them. Here in Romania we still have big agricultural sector, and many people can grow their own food even if they dont live of it so we get very tasty and strong food.

4. From what it seems American people are kinda cold and individualistic too. In the sense that they are super centered on their business and the world around them doesnt matter, sometimes to the extreme of neglecting their own families and friends. Although the different social climate of that country probably pressures many people to behave like that against their will too. For example I never realized until recently that a lot of Americans get kicked out of parents home at 18 just for turning 18, I dont know any case of this where I live.

Of course all this is just things I heard both online and offline so I cant confirm personally.

The rest of us ignore Nashville the best we can.

Of course all this is just things I heard both online and offline so I cant confirm personally.

I admit I dont know much about America, but here are the reasons I was thinking:

1. Everything in America just feels... too big for me. The cities, the distances, the highways. Being honest I would panic if I found myself in some place like New York or Los Angeles.

2. In part because of previous reason, America is a very car-centric country. Many people have to drive km or miles to another part of the city just to get food, and in the crowded chaotic roads of America of course. Alright, small towns are probably different.

3. Judging by what one friend who studied in America and now lives in UK told me, food and drink in both countries is very bland compared to Romania. She told me that milk there tastes like water, even whole milk, and that many vegetables are so tasteless she cant even eat them. Here in Romania we still have big agricultural sector, and many people can grow their own food even if they dont live of it so we get very tasty and strong food.

4. From what it seems American people are kinda cold and individualistic too. In the sense that they are super centered on their business and the world around them doesnt matter, sometimes to the extreme of neglecting their own families and friends. Although the different social climate of that country probably pressures many people to behave like that against their will too. For example I never realized until recently that a lot of Americans get kicked out of parents home at 18 just for turning 18, I dont know any case of this where I live.

Of course all this is just things I heard both online and offline so I cant confirm personally.

That's the same with us in Texas, talking about Austin...

Everything you said is true.... in SOME places. Not all.
There are many "experiences" in the US... generally speaking, getting away from the urban metroplexes is a good thing. For the most part, people in smaller towns are very open, and generous. The spirit of community is very strong, where neighbor helps neighbor, simply because it's the right thing to do. It's the way we were raised.

I have experienced good, friendly people in every state I've visited, with very few exceptions.

I have to agree with you about much of the food... but, again, if you get out into "rural America" you will find this to not be the case.

You are also correct about the size of the US, and the distances we sometimes have to travel. Again, it is not the same everywhere. When you get away from the urban centers, it is much better.

You should come visit sometime, if you get the chance. I think you might be pleasantly surprised with what you find....

Yes I know much of US is different, I was mostly thinking in the places stereotypically associated with America abroad and where most immigrants go, specifically the northeastern and southwestern cities. Like NY LA SF Boston... thats just megaurban environment. Here in Romania we just dont have cities like that, maybe the capital a bit only.

But if small towns in America are like what you describe then it doesnt sound very different to Romania honestly, we Hungarians may be a bit more closed due to our history but thats it. So no need to travel so far to see that. But Im happy for that

Yes I know much of US is different, I was mostly thinking in the places stereotypically associated with America abroad and where most immigrants go, specifically the northeastern and southwestern cities. Like NY LA SF Boston... thats just megaurban environment. Here in Romania we just dont have cities like that, maybe the capital a bit only.

But if small towns in America are like what you describe then it doesnt sound very different to Romania honestly, we Hungarians may be a bit more closed due to our history but thats it. So no need to travel so far to see that. But Im happy for that

I can relate to this because it sounds like you know what you want and you're happy with it.
For example, i love being near the water and that's all i need. I'm not interested in visiting most of the world, especially areas without an ocean, so i stick to a travel or vacation routine which i'm happy with.

I've been to 47 of the 50 states. The ones I've missed have been in the northeast. Countrywise I've been to Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Japan, China, Guam, England, Wales, Greece, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Crete, and I'm probably forgetting a couple...

I've been to all 50 states, but haven't been to Guam or Puerto Rico.

So, a question to all travelers.
When you traveled, did you stay in full tourist mode or did you engage the locals about the way of life and all the details of day to day activities including jobs, prices, homes, etc?

All of the above. In Italy I've stayed in nice hotels for work, and B&Bs for personal travel. I also stayed in a hostel in Munich and Vicenza. Most of the time I stay at my friend's house. When I traveled for work, it was mostly 4-5 star hotels, though when in Europe I tried to book my own places which were more family oriented. In Iceland, my son and I slept in a 2-person tent on our 35-mile hike, and also when we went over to the Faroe Islands afterwards.

I always try to engage locals to learn about them whenever I have the chance. The best recommendation my brother gave me before I started to travel: "Learn the greetings in the local language." People will respect you (and help you) a lot more when you greet them in their own language, even if that's the extent of your knowledge. It shows respect.

I am still looking for a co-op for my tourism program if you know anyone hiring.

I don't really understand your statement. In any case, all of my traveling has either been through work or on my own.

Well I am studying Tourism at Georgian College, The course requires the completion of a co-op position to graduate.
My Co-op term runs between my second and third semester.

The only tour company I ever used was Loki Travel for my trip to Machu Picchu. They're in many countries in South America. I don't know if they're something that would work or not, or even if they would do something like that.